A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Avignon vs. Venice for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Avignon or Venice?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Avignon and Venice. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Avignon

Avignon is a scenic, picturesque, and historical town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Avignon and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice than Avignon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Venice is very popular for its shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Avignon attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Venice is more touristy than Avignon and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Avignon is famous for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Avignon different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Venice and Avignon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Avignon or Venice?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Venice and Avignon.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Is the Food Better in Avignon or Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Avignon or Venice Better for Nightlife?

The reasonable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Avignon and Venice.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Avignon. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Venice is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Avignon or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Avignon and Venice.

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Venice offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Venice?

Venice is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Avignon or Venice Better for Families?

Venice is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Avignon or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Avignon or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Avignon or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Avignon is not popular with students.

Is Avignon or Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Avignon or Venice a more walkable city?

Avignon and Venice are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Getting around Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Venice?

Both Avignon and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Avignon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Avignon, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Avignon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Venice than Avignon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice than Avignon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Venice.

One day in Avignon or Venice?

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Avignon or Venice?

Avignon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Venice, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer.

Five days in Avignon or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Avignon or Venice?

Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Avignon and Venice, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Venice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Venice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Venice and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Venice.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Avignon Expensive? and Is Venice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Avignon and Venice, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Avignon or Venice?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Avignon or Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Venice. Many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Venice during summer. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Avignon usually receives less rain than Venice. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Avignon or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Avignon is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Avignon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Venice. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Avignon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Avignon usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Venice can be very cold. In January, Avignon is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 7°C (44°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Venice during winter. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Avignon usually receives more rain than Venice. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Avignon or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Avignon during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. In the spring, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Venice. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Venice. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Avignon